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Williams Legislation & Sufficiency of Instructional Materials

Understanding the Williams Act

Understanding the Williams Act

 
The Williams Act in California ensures that all students have access to the basic resources they need for a quality education. It came from a legal case called Williams v. California, where it was argued that students in some schools, especially in low-income areas, weren't getting the same opportunities as those in wealthier districts.
 
The Williams Act focuses on three main areas:
 
  • Instructional Materials - Every student must have access to up-to-date textbooks and learning materials.
 
  • Teacher Quality - Students should be taught by qualified teachers.
 
  • School Facilities - Schools must be safe and in good condition.
 
This law helps make sure that all students, no matter where they live, have what they need to succeed in school. It also sets up a process for reporting and fixing any problems in these areas.
 
 
Requirements for ALL Schools IN MEUSD

Requirements for ALL Schools IN MEUSD

Which Schools Are Visited by the Williams Compliance Team?
Under AB 599, signed in October 2021, the Williams Compliance Team now visits more schools, including charter schools. Schools that are identified for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI), additional targeted support and improvement (ATSI), or are low-performing under federal laws are included. Additionally, schools where 15% or more of the teachers hold a permit or certificate below a full California teaching credential are also subject to review.
 
Annual visits will take place by the 20th day of instruction for the school year to:
  • Check if students have enough instructional materials.
  • Inspect school facilities, including restrooms, drinking fountains, and common areas.
  • Gather data on teacher vacancies.
  • Confirm the accuracy of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC).
 
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) will aim to minimize disruptions during these inspections, visiting 20-25% of classrooms at each school. This includes checking science lab equipment in high schools.
 
Additional resources are available for schools that will undergo a Williams audit by SDCOE.
Williams Visited Sites -List of schools subject to a Williams audit by San Diego County Office of Education.
 
Additional District Requirements
 
Board Resolution on Sufficiency of Instructional Materials
The Williams legislation requires that districts certify the sufficiency of instructional materials at their schools through a Board resolution by the end of the eighth week of the school year. Annually, District staff bring forward for Board approval the "Resolution in the Matter of Certification of Sufficient Textbooks or Instructional Materials," affirming that each pupil in the district has sufficient materials that are consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum framework adopted by the State Board of Education. This resolution certifies the sufficiency of instructional materials based on annual documentation from each school.
Related Resources
 
To file a Williams Complaint, follow these steps:
1. Obtain the Form:
  • You can get the Williams Complaint Form in both English and Spanish from your school or district office.
 
2. Complete the Form:
  • Fill out the form with the required details about the issue, such as missing instructional materials, unsafe school conditions, or lack of qualified teachers.
 
3. Submit the Form:
  • Once completed, submit the form to your school principal or district office.
 
4. Receive a Response:
  • The school or district is required to respond to your complaint within a set time frame.